Description

Being early MOS technology, the Technics MN6042 Pitch Synthesizer IC is by far the most failure prone IC in the turntables that use it. Further, at their current age, even working MN6042 ICs typically are not working well due to gate damage sustained over their lifetime.

In our testing of three different Technics ICs, we found all three exhibited an average frequency variation of 8Hz, which directly affects the Quartz Lock frequency of the turntable, leading to increased flutter. With today’s technology, we can do far better.

The Fidelis Analog FA6042 Pitch Synthesizer is a drop-in replacement for the original Technics part, designed for absolute reliability and vastly improved performance. Our Pitch Synthesizer is stable to +0.1/-0.2Hz, making the Quartz Lock reference stable to +/-0.00003Hz as measured in our SP-10 MK3.

*NOTE: The SP-15 and all supported SL turntables use a current-limiting resistor in the supply for the MN6042. As the FA6042 draws more current, this resistor will need to be changed. An appropriate resistor will be included with your upgrade.

3 reviews for Technics MN6042 Upgrade

Rated 5 out of 5

Derek van Veen–March 15, 2016

I was lucky enough to be an early adopter of the FA6042 +/- 9.99% replacement chip for a Technics SP15 restoration. With the modification of R214 from 680R to 390R (to account for the greater current draw of the FA6042 over the stock MN6042), I now have an SP15 that is more accurate and flexible than what left the Technics factory. This is a fantastic replacement for an otherwise-NLA part, that is, if anything, far superior to what the original engineers could have envisioned. If I am ever fortunate to acquire an SP10 MK3, I will definitely be installing an FA6042.

p.s. JP's technical support is second to none.

Rated 5 out of 5

Ken McCarty(verified owner)–February 16, 2017

I've owned my Technics SP-10MK3 for several years now. During that time, 3 or 4 of the vintage MN6042 chips have failed in the control unit. My chips have failed altogether, rendering the table unusable, or partially failed, rendering the pitch control unusable, but the table otherwise works. 'Works" may be unfair, since its wow and flutter figures (using the Analog Productions test record and iPhone Feickert app) worsen significantly, but are still good enough to embarrass many turntables.

This chip drives the quartz synthesizer pitch control and LED display. As any owner of the MK3 will tell you, this is the Achilles heel of the turntable. Many owners have invested considerable sums of money in these magnificent direct drive tables, and before now, the fear of losing the table altogether due to a chip failure loomed large. The table will not function properly without it and the chip has not been available for some time. As a result, many have squirreled away donor Technics tables which use the same chip, like the MK2 versions of the SL-1300, 1400, and 1500.

JP Jones of Fidelis Analog spent the time to design a replacement for the MN6042. The most recent failure of my vintage chip was some months ago, such that the table played, but without pitch control and higher wow and flutter. Rather than using a backup MN6042 chip, I decided to try the Fidelis Analog replacement. JP says that he has never seen a vintage MN6042 operate correctly, even when they appear to be, and he's measured nearly a dozen now.

JP also adjusted all other parameters in the control unit per the MK3 service manual AND looking for adjustment clues elsewhere, as well as utilizing his own processes he’s developed. According to JP, the service manual is wrong or incomplete in some cases. What I notice is that the turntable responds better at startup; i.e., it doesn't start with that incredible torque, overshoots, and then corrects.

By the way, JP is fantastic to work with – a consummate professional who does what he says he will do.

For quick background information, my MK3 has the excellent Krebs modification and the excellent Porter plinth. I alternate different cartridges in the SME V-12 and 12" Graham Phantom 3 Supreme tonearms.

I received the control unit back. After spending time listening to many records, it's clear that my MK3 has been sick for a very long time. It now sounds fantastic. I've never heard this table sound so good. It has analog tape smoothness. (I have several reel to reel machines and master tape dubs, so this is not a throw away comment). I've always liked that about the MK3. When it has a healthy vintage chip in it, it has this smoothness. Even more so now.

Now what is blowing me away is this incredible, unassailable energy and drive. This table is unfazed by anything. I can hear and follow complex rhythmic structures like never before. And it has the huge soundstage and incredible detail to go with it. Massive, perfect-pitch bass. I'm loving it!

This chip breathes new life into the Technics SP-10MK3.

Rated 5 out of 5

A. S.–May 21, 2017

I had a not working Technics SP 10 Mk III for repair March 2017 and heard about this spare part. After buying it the turntable now runs again properly as it should and the owner is very satisfied.